Editor's note

Tomorrow is World Water Day — an annual event that provides an opportunity for taking stock, and coming up with new plans and ideas. This year the theme is ‘Leaving no one behind’, a reminder that everyone must have access to water and benefit from its resources.

But efforts to ensure the supply of freshwater for decades to come in northern and eastern Africa are being severely hampered by political differences. Eleven countries will be affected by the massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam when it’s completed. It’s this complexity that’s held up progress in getting a deal done that meets everyone’s demands. Shimelis Dessu sets out why it’s urgent that a better relationship is brokered soon and
disagreements set aside.

Further south on the continent, the city of Cape Town recently published a draft strategy for water supply and management for comment. Jasper Knight argues that the draft strategy is missing important elements.

Groundwater reservoirs of freshwater, or aquifers, are water sources that are often taken for granted. These have been used for centuriesfor drinking and agricultural purposes. But they are being abused by the public and even by governments. As a result they are under threat. Gaathier Mahed explains how we can recharge aquifers in a controlled way so that water can be “banked” underground and used later.

Groundwater isn’t the only thing that can be harvested for later. Maimbo Malesu explains several ways in which rainwater can be harvested in Kenya.

Caroline Southey

Editor

Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, which is under construction, is a source of anger for Egypt.
EPA-EFE/STR